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You’ve finally booked that first laser hair removal appointment. But then it hits you – your cycle’s about to start. Now what? Will it hurt more if you’re already cramping? Should you just cancel and wait it out?
There’s no need, really. Now, don’t get us wrong – a few precautions should be taken. But rest assured, laser hair removal during your time of the month is absolutely possible without sacrificing results or your sanity.
We’ve got insights directly from our medical director at Ethos Spa, Dr. Soni, to help you make the best decision and lay your worries to rest.
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal on Your Period?
Yes, you can safely get laser hair removal during your period. However, Dr. Soni advises keeping some important factors in mind regarding safety precautions, treatment efficacy, and managing discomfort when undergoing laser hair removal while menstruating.
According to our experience, laser hair removal performed during your period does not carry severe health risks or long-term side effects. The laser only penetrates the uppermost layers of skin and does not interact with hormones or your menstrual cycle internally.
For optimal safety and hygiene, Dr. Soni recommends:
- Using a tampon when treating the bikini area to prevent irritation or infection.
- Informing your technician you are menstruating so disposable covers and sanitary precautions can be taken.
- Avoiding facial treatments immediately after a glycolic peel, as your skin will be more sensitive.
In contrast, your period does not negatively impact the efficacy of laser hair removal treatments. The laser targets the hair follicle, which is unaffected by hormonal changes during menstruation.
However, based on our experience, some menstrual cycle factors can potentially influence results:
- Hormone fluctuations may accelerate hair growth, requiring additional treatments.
- The active hair growth phase may be shorter, making follicles harder to target.
- Increased sensitivity could necessitate lower laser settings, reducing efficacy.
Overall, while your cycle can impact hair growth dynamics, Dr. Soni assures it does not prevent the laser from working properly when you are menstruating.
Additionally, many women report heightened skin sensitivity and pain perception during their periods. So you may find laser hair removal treatments more uncomfortable when scheduled during this time.
To help manage discomfort, Dr. Soni suggests:
- Taking an over-the-counter analgesic beforehand.
- Applying a topical numbing agent to the treatment area.
- Asking your technician to adjust settings or incorporate breaks as needed.
- Avoiding treatments right before your period starts, when sensitivity peaks.
- Using a tampon and maintaining cleanliness for Brazilian procedures.
How Does Your Period Affect Laser Hair Removal?
Hormonal changes during menstruation can make your skin more sensitive, leading to increased discomfort during laser hair removal treatments.
Based on our experience, some women report feeling more pain just before or during their periods when undergoing laser hair removal.
The hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle can also impact the hair growth cycle, strengthening the hair follicles and stimulating faster regrowth. This can temporarily reduce the effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments.
When treating the bikini area, it’s recommended to use a tampon for hygiene and to ensure the technician can access the entire area.
For a good few women, wearing a tampon may be uncomfortable during menstruation, in which case rescheduling the bikini treatment for after your period may be preferred.
You may experience increased redness, swelling, or other side effects from laser hair removal during menstruation due to heightened skin sensitivity. However, Dr. Soni assures these effects are temporary.
There is no evidence that laser hair removal affects your menstrual cycle or hormones when correctly targeted at the hair follicles.
Can you get Brazilian laser hair removal on your period?
Yes, Brazilian laser hair removal treatments can safely and effectively be performed during your period. No major changes to the procedure or impact on results occur simply because you are menstruating.
However, according to our experience, it’s always wise to take a few minor precautions for hygiene and comfort when getting Brazilian laser hair removal done on your period.
- Wearing extra sanitary pads and informing your technician about your status is highly recommended. This allows them to use disposable coverings and change gloves as needed to keep the area clean.
- Avoiding sweaty exercise or heat treatments afterward will also help until menstruation concludes.
The hair follicles remain unaffected by your cycle, so you can expect the same gradual reduction in hair growth over your course of treatments.
Can you get bikini laser hair removal on your period?
Yes, you can get bikini laser hair removal done while on your period. There is no medical contraindication against having laser hair removal during menstruation.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The bikini area tends to be more sensitive during your period, so you may experience more redness or swelling afterwards.
- For hygiene reasons, it’s always recommended to use a tampon full bikini treatment done.
- Some of our women clients prefer to reschedule during their period for personal comfort reasons.
Inform your technician about your status so disposable coverings can be applied and changed as needed for optimum hygiene. Also avoid sweaty exercise, saunas, or hot tubs until your flow has ceased.
Does Laser Hair Removal Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?
No, laser hair removal does not affect your menstrual cycle. There is no evidence it alters estrogen, progesterone, or other reproductive hormones. The laser does not impact the ovaries or the production of eggs internally.
Moreover, it cannot reach reproductive organs to influence hormone levels or ovulation.
Menstrual Cycle Changes After Laser Hair Removal
A few women report changes to their menstrual cycle after laser hair removal treatments, like irregular periods or spotting. Even so, research has not confirmed laser treatment directly causes these effects.
One study found no difference in cycle length after laser hair removal. On average, participants had a normal 28-29 day cycle both before and after treatment.
When changes do occur, they are likely related to factors like stress, medications, or normal cycle variations rather than the laser treatment itself. Dr. Soni affirms there is currently no scientific proof of laser hair removal disrupting the menstrual cycle through hormonal changes.
Is it Safe to Do Laser Hair Removal After Your Period Ends?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to undergo laser hair removal treatments immediately after your period ends. Once menstruation has halted, sanitation is no longer a concern during your session.
The treated hair follicles remain unaffected by your cycle. So Dr. Soni advises that you can expect the same efficacy and results with treatments done right after period flow ceases.
Some residual inflammation or redness around the treated area is normal. As long as bleeding has stopped, it is safe to resume your laser hair removal appointments. Just avoid heat treatments until any lingering tenderness goes away.
With proper aftercare, laser hair removal is just as safe and effective when performed after your period versus any other time of the month. The results will be the same, for a gradual reduction in unwanted hair growth over your treatment course.
Safe, Comfortable Laser Hair Removal Guaranteed
We hope this guide has answered all your questions about getting laser hair removal treatments done during your menstrual cycle.
While an understandable concern, rest assured the process can be performed safely and comfortably even during your period with just a few minor precautions.
At Ethos Spa, we use advanced laser technology and employ stringent safety standards so you can achieve optimal results in a comfortable, hygienic environment.
Interested in availing of our service? Let’s chat!
Dr. Hardik Soni
MDLead Physician
About Dr. Hardik Soni
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